Which DJI flight-log app should you choose?
Read, back up and analyse your DJI flight logs: compare Waypoint360 Sync, AirData, OpenDroneLog, Flight Reader, PhantomHelp and DroneLogbook on objective, sourced criteria.
What a flight-log tool actually does
Every DJI flight writes an encrypted log on the controller or phone. A flight-log tool decrypts it, shows the telemetry (map, altitude, battery, distance) and — depending on the tool — keeps a backup, feeds a logbook, or powers fleet management and regulatory reporting.
This comparison lines up six tools on the criteria that matter day to day. Figures were taken from the vendors’ official sites in July 2026; “not stated” means a capability is not publicly documented, not necessarily that it is absent.
Feature and pricing comparison
| Criterion | Waypoint360 Sync | AirData | OpenDroneLog | Flight Reader | PhantomHelp | DroneLogbook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows (desktop) | Web + mobile | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows | Web (browser) | Web |
| Reads consumer DJI logs (DJI Fly/GO) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reads enterprise DJI logs (Pilot 2, Matrice) | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Automatic USB backup (desktop companion) | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Keeps a local copy of your logs | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Sends logs to a cloud platform | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Local-only option (no cloud) | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Pilot logbook | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Binds a flight to a professional job | Yes | No | No | No | No | Not stated |
| Fleet management | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Regulatory compliance (multi-country) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free + $2.99–$14.99/mo (Enterprise per drone) | Free (open source) | $79–$379 one-time | Free | Free + $6.95–$24.95/user/mo |
| Target user | Pro & individual pilots | Hobbyist to enterprise fleets | Privacy-minded individuals | Prosumer / crash analysis | Consumer pilots | Commercial operators |
Sources: official sites airdata.com, opendronelog.com, flightreader.com, phantomhelp.com and dronelogbook.com, consulted July 2026. “Not stated” means a feature is not publicly documented. AirData and DroneLogbook rely on mobile-app or manual upload rather than a USB desktop companion. Provided for information, objectively; always confirm current specs with each vendor.
Who each tool is for
Waypoint360 Sync
Pro and individual DJI pilots who want a free desktop companion that backs up logs locally over USB and binds each flight to a job or a logbook, with EU/FAA/Canada compliance.
AirData
Operators wanting the deepest cloud fleet, maintenance and compliance suite, with hands-off auto-sync from many drone brands.
OpenDroneLog
Privacy-minded pilots who want a free, open-source, fully local viewer with 3D replay and battery-health tracking — no account, no cloud.
Flight Reader
Prosumers and crash analysts who need maximum telemetry extraction from DJI logs, fully offline, for a one-time licence.
PhantomHelp
Consumer pilots wanting a free, zero-setup online viewer for a single log, with CSV/KML export.
DroneLogbook
Commercial operators needing multi-authority compliance reports, maintenance and mission planning across many log formats.
Head-to-head comparisons
Go deeper, tool by tool.
Frequently asked questions
Which flight-log app is free?
OpenDroneLog (open source), PhantomHelp and Waypoint360 Sync are free. AirData and DroneLogbook offer a free tier plus paid plans; Flight Reader is a paid one-time licence ($79–$379). Figures taken July 2026.
Which tools keep my data local instead of in the cloud?
OpenDroneLog and Flight Reader process logs locally and never upload them. Waypoint360 Sync keeps a local backup and also sends logs to your Waypoint360 account. AirData, PhantomHelp and DroneLogbook are cloud-based.
Which tools read enterprise DJI logs (Pilot 2, Matrice)?
Waypoint360 Sync reads both consumer (DJI Fly) and enterprise (Pilot 2, Matrice) .txt FlightRecords. AirData documents broad enterprise support. For the other tools, enterprise coverage is not explicitly documented as of July 2026.
Do any of them back up logs automatically over USB?
Waypoint360 Sync is the desktop companion built to detect a DJI controller over USB and back up its logs automatically. AirData and DroneLogbook rely on mobile-app auto-sync or manual upload; the local viewers use manual file import.
Can I attach a flight to a client job or intervention?
Waypoint360 binds each flight to a professional intervention or an individual pilot’s logbook. Fleet platforms like AirData and DroneLogbook organise flights by drone and pilot but do not center on job/intervention binding.
Other comparisons
Back up your DJI logs for free
Waypoint360 Sync detects your controller over USB, keeps a local copy and sends each flight to your logbook.